First broadcast May 23, 2008

Memorial Day Observed

10 p.m. to Midnight Host: Steve Winters

Sadly, we reiterate what we wrote last year: With the United States still mired in a controversial military conflict in Iraq and one less so in Afghanistan, it’s more important at this point than at any other since the Vietnam War to mark an honorable and respectful observance of Memorial Day, which is officially observed on Monday. This program honors all those military personnel who gave their lives in service to this nation and on behalf of the truly unique rights and freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

In recent years we have placed the focus almost entirely on the Civil War and we continue that focus with this program. It was in the aftermath of the Civil War — the deadliest conflict in American history with over 500,000 dead — that this holiday, first known as Decoration Day, had its roots. Folk musicians, similar to historians, through the decades since the Civil War continue to be intrigued with this bloody conflict’s music, songs and stories.